Standing before Qiao Yan, the middle-aged scholar appeared unremarkable, and his age, around forty, hadn’t brought him any notable fame in Luoyang City.

Cao Cao, who had come along to the Ministry of War to select personnel, was puzzled why Qiao Yan had stopped specifically in front of Jia Xu.

He asked, “Are you the famous Jia Wenhe from Liangzhou?”

Jia Xu, equally puzzled, couldn’t understand why Qiao Yan was taking notice of him.

He was skilled in the art of self-preservation and had served as a clerk in the Ministry of War for seven or eight years under several ministers.

Normally, a young provincial governor and a prominent figure in the capital like Qiao Yan shouldn’t have paid any attention to him.

But Qiao Yan not only knew his name but also showed a hidden interest in him, indicating this decision to seek him out wasn’t made lightly.

Though uneasy, Jia Xu calmly replied, “Indeed, I am Jia Xu.”

“Then I have found the one I seek,” Qiao Yan said, turning to Cao Cao and asking, “Mengde, do you know why I am looking for him?”

Cao Cao answered, “Your actions are often surprising yet reasoned. There must be something special about this man.”

Unaware he was being eyed for future plans, Cao Cao studied Jia Xu’s demeanor and felt he possessed a calmness that surpassed others.

Qiao Yan continued, “I once heard an interesting tale. It is said this Mr. Wenhe was highly regarded by the Han Yang scholar Yan Zhong and was recommended for an official position due to his filial piety.

Unfortunately, illness forced him to return home for a while.

On his way back, he encountered a rebellion by the Di people.

While others panicked, he calmly stated he was the grandson of the Minister of War at that time, Duan Jiming, known for his authority in Liangzhou.

The rebels, fearing his family’s influence, released him.”

“Many officials in my Bingzhou deal extensively with the Hu and Xiongnu tribes.

What they need most is the courage to remain calm amidst chaos—not only to defend and counterattack but also to ensure their own survival and report back to me,” Qiao Yan explained. “Mengde, do you think he should be my first choice?”

Cao Cao pondered Qiao Yan’s words and agreed that if Jia Wenhe possessed such qualities as she described, he would indeed be a remarkable talent.

“In addition,” Qiao Yan added, “Mr. Zhongde( Cheng Li’s nickname ) followed me from Yanzhou during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and after I was appointed as the Marquis of Leping, he accompanied me to Bingzhou as the Minister of Leping. Now as the provincial governor, I must appoint Mr. Zhongde as my assistant. He and Jia Wenhe are of similar age, so their cooperation should be smooth.”

Cao Cao found this reasoning quite convincing.

Qiao Yan sought someone knowledgeable in administration and laws.

Given Jia Xu’s age and the time he had spent in Luoyang,

“She can indeed achieve this,” Qiao Yan said, now turning her gaze back to Jia Xu. She asked, “Would Wenhe be willing to accompany me to Bingzhou? Under my command, there is also someone from Liangzhou who wishes to learn from you.”

Qiao Yan naturally referred to Fu Gan, who hailed from the Northern Territory of Liangzhou.

Fueled by a desire for revenge for his

father, he would benefit greatly from Jia Xu’s guidance.

Although she said it as a question, her meaning was clear: she intended to have him join her.

Jia Xu had heard of Qiao Yan’s reputation for decisive actions.

He knew that even if he were to attempt desertion now, he would likely be apprehended.

In that case, it seemed better to agree.

Moreover—

If he wasn’t mistaken, unusual events were likely to occur in the capital within the next two or three years.

He wasn’t sure if he could avoid being embroiled in them.

Currently, Liangzhou was also in conflict, and even if he returned home, he might not be safe.

It truly seemed better to accompany Qiao Yan to Bingzhou.

At least for now, one branch of the Xiongnu, the Xutu tribes, had suffered heavy losses, and the Southern Xiongnu, who had come to the front lines, did not dare to be reckless.

Moreover, the internal strife among the Xianbei over the position of Chanyu was escalating day by day.

Qiao Yan’s methods in Bingzhou were also considerable, and it could be considered a safe place.

Additionally, there was the information revealed in her conversation.

The first person under the governor is named Zhongde(Cheng Li), the second-in-command of the governor’s affairs.

Because he could also set up a separate driving unit, he was named.

Qiao Yan entrusted this position to someone who had been with her since earlier years.

While this person indeed had a keen eye for talent, they could also be considered sentimental.

“Let’s go then. It’s better than staying safe in Luoyang city,” Qiao Yan remarked.

Jia Xu bowed respectfully and replied, “I dare not disobey.”

With Jia Xu, known for his astuteness, chosen, Qiao Yan quickly assessed the remaining clerks of the Ministry of War, asking about their skills, and selected two more to complete the task of selection.

Most of those serving as clerks in the Ministry of War now had families.

Similarly, Jia Xu already had his three sons—Jia Mu, Jia Fang, and Jia Ji—who lived with him in Luoyang city.

Since they were now heading to Bingzhou, they naturally needed to accompany him.

Qiao Yan allowed the three chosen individuals time to pack their belongings and set a departure date.

Then, she and Cao Cao left together.

Cao Cao commented, “Previously, Yeshu declined many visitors while hiding in the Ministry of Personnel. Now, having visitors actively seek me out could be considered quite an honor.”

After a playful remark, he added, “But speaking of which, I haven’t formally congratulated Yeshu on assuming office in Bingzhou.”

“Cao Cao,” looking at Qiao Yan, couldn’t help but feel a touch of admiration in his gaze.

Her accomplishments undoubtedly exceeded his expectations.

Now, she had taken the high position of provincial governor ahead of him, showing more potential for national leadership than Qiao Xuan in previous years.

Who could have imagined…

Yet, this exceptional promotion undoubtedly showed him hope amidst the chaos.

However, some things didn’t need to be said at this moment.

Although he hadn’t personally witnessed what Qiao Yan’s governance was like in Leping, or seen her commanding presence in Bingzhou, he could well imagine it from her decisive actions in handling General of the North’s affairs.

He knew she must have considered her methods and future prospects carefully.

Thinking to himself, Cao Cao listened as Qiao Yan spoke again, “In that case, I should also congratulate Mengde on becoming the Central Army Colonel among the Eight Division of the Western Army.

However, I heard that the Emperor’s decree requires each of the Eight Commandants to independently recruit their own troops into a regiment. Mengde will need to spend extra effort recently and must proceed cautiously.”

“There’s no need for Yeshu to worry about that,” Cao Cao replied. “My younger brother and I have similar approaches to dealing with affairs from our early years. We’re accustomed to a cavalier style and have recruited many talented individuals, some of whom can serve as officers for the troops. We’ll expand recruitment accordingly.”

Cao Cao couldn’t help but feel that recruiting troops directly under the Emperor might lead to a mix of good and bad soldiers, which wasn’t ideal.

However, he convinced himself that if these recruits were personally selected and trained to form a well-disciplined and cohesive army, they could indeed be a significant asset if the Emperor intended to campaign west, north, south, or east.

Considering the historical context of Cao Cao’s military conscriptions, Qiao Yan suggested, “Mengde’s current conscription efforts are likely aimed at the areas of Qiao and Pei. I’ve heard there are prominent Xu families in Qiao County, who share a hometown with Mengde. Perhaps we should visit and see if we can recruit some strong men to help maintain discipline among the conscripts.”

Cao Hong, who had just arrived seeking Cao Cao, didn’t take kindly to this suggestion. “Marquis Qiao, do you doubt my ability to control these conscripts?”

Qiao Yan touched her face without saying a word.

But the spot she touched corresponded to a wound on Cao Hong’s face, a mark left from their previous encounter when Qiao Yan struck him.

It hadn’t completely healed, and some things were understood without being said.

Seeing Cao Hong’s hesitation, Cao Cao couldn’t help but chuckle. “Zilian, you shouldn’t expect to gain any advantage over Yeshu in words.”

“Mengde is blaming me unfairly then. I was just…”

“I haven’t spoken,” Qiao Yan said, already at the door.

She bowed to Cao Cao. “No need to see me off. I won’t stay long in the capital this time. I still need to visit the Office of the Court Historian. Farewell for now. When I meet Mengde next time, your soldiers will be ready.”

This was truly a sincere statement from Qiao Yan.

In the current turbulent political climate she had influenced so much, no one could guarantee whether Cao Cao’s current military conscription would change or make it difficult for him to escape the chaos among the troops.

Qiao Yan didn’t want to witness such a scene.

Considering Cao Cao now, he seemed more fitting for the role of loyal servant to the Han Dynasty than she did.

It was with this thought that she suggested he seek out the Xu family in Qiao County, informing him of a strong warrior named Xu Chu who would be an excellent choice for personal protection.

After leaving the Ministry of War, she headed straight to the Lingtai.

She had intended to visit Ma Lun earlier, but meeting Cao Cao had temporarily halted those plans.

Now that the position of Bingzhou Governor was settled and the Yuan family’s focus turned to the Governorship of Jingzhou, which didn’t directly conflict with her interests, it was the perfect time for her to visit Ma Lun.